Phrases & Expressions

A four-step management method used for controlling and continuously improving processes and products.

• We use Plan-Do-Check-Act to improve quality.
• The team followed the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle.

To say that someone is responsible for a mistake, problem, or wrongdoing.

• Mrs. Lopez put the blame on her husband for losing their savings in the stock market.
• Don't put the blame on me that your plants died while you were on vacation — you forgot to tell me to water them.

Said on the radio to mean that a transmission is perfectly clear (readability 5).

• Pilot: "Tower, read you five by five."
• "Radio check, how do you read?" "I read you five."

To fly back to the airfield or base the aircraft took off from, often because of a problem.

• The flight had to return to base.
• An engine warning forced the helicopter to return to base.

Don't waste your time trying to explain or argue, as it will not be successful.

• Save your breath; he's already made up his mind.
• You can't convince her, so save your breath.

To establish a high level of quality or performance.

• He set the bar high for his team.
• Set the bar for quality in this industry.

To describe the place and situation where an event happens.

• Let me set the scene before the story begins.
• The book sets the scene in ancient Rome.

To establish the mood or atmosphere of a situation.

• Her speech set the tone for the meeting.
• Music can set the tone of a party.

A system for ranking the seriousness of problems or issues.

• We use a severity scale from 1 to 5.
• The bug was rated low on the severity scale.

A controlled test where an organization sends fake phishing emails to employees to check their security awareness.

• The company conducted a simulated phishing exercise.
• Employees must report any simulated phishing attempts.